In today's look into Clippers rumors surrounding the upcoming 2014 NBA free agency period, ESPN is reporting that the Los Angeles Clippers are not on the shortlist of teams LeBron James would like to play for in 2014-15 and beyond.
Per Matt Moore of CBS Sports, the report places the Heat atop James' list, followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and the Brooklyn Nets in order of preference.
Here's an excerpt of the report with LeBron James' alleged reasoning for shunning the Clippers:
I'm told the Clippers are not among James' most preferred destinations. While James and Clippers point guard Chris Paul are great friends, there are concerns about the compatibility of their games. Paul is not as capable of excelling off the ball as Wade was when he adjusted to playing with James.
Beyond that, there is still the very real problem of Donald Sterling's shadow hovering over the Clippers. I was not told that this would be an issue, but as outspoken as James was about wanting Sterling out of the league, it seems implausible that he would willingly go play for the Clippers until Sterling's ouster is complete. That is not likely to happen before July 8.
In truth, the smart money is on James returning to Miami. However, the Clippers still can't be counted out if things begin to align over the next couple of weeks.
Follow our Los Angeles Clippers team page for the latest Clippers rumors!
Back to the Los Angeles Clippers Newsfeed